York County, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Rock Hill Schools and York Technical College launched a Middle College dual-enrollment program for the 2025–26 year that lets 20 high school students earn a transfer-optimized Associate of Arts while finishing high school. Students take college courses in English, math, science, social studies and the humanities on the college campus; tuition and institutional fees are paid by the S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program while families cover instructional materials. The inaugural cohort began in August 2025 and is on track to graduate with both credentials in May 2027. A separate Winthrop University Business & Leadership program launched with 28 students, offering up to 36 credits.
New Middle College lets high school students earn an associate degree before graduation
Rock Hill Schools and York Technical College launched a Middle College dual-enrollment program for the 2025-26 school year that puts 20 high school students on a path to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree optimized for transfer to a four-year university. The program allows participants to complete college-level coursework in core subjects while finishing high school, with tuition and fees covered by the S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program. Families are responsible for the cost of instructional materials.
What the program provides
Students in the inaugural cohort will take college courses in English, math, science, social studies, and the humanities, effectively gaining two years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree. The program is structured so students can finish both secondary and associate degree requirements by the time they complete high school, giving them the option to enter the workforce with a credential or transfer directly to a four-year institution.
Enrollment and timeline
The first class of 20 students began the program with a launch event at the college campus in August 2025. The cohort is scheduled to complete the associate degree in May 2027, coinciding with their high school graduation. The Middle College model places students on campus for college-level classes while maintaining their high school enrollment and support services.
Costs and financial support
Tuition and institutional fees for students in the Middle College are funded through the S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program. Families are expected to pay for textbooks and other instructional materials. No additional fee structure was provided for other expenses such as transportation or optional campus services in the initial announcement.
Related dual-enrollment offerings
One week prior to the Middle College launch, a separate Business & Leadership Dual Enrollment Program partnership began between Rock Hill Schools and Winthrop University. That program enrolled 28 students in courses including writing, economics, and accounting, enabling participants to earn up to 36 college credit hours by high school graduation. Details on tuition support for that program were not specified in the initial rollout information.
Program goals and student outcomes
The Middle College is designed to accelerate college attainment, promote equity of opportunity, and provide earlier access to the workforce for students who complete the associate degree. The curriculum emphasizes transferable general-education courses that align with common university requirements, reducing duplication of coursework when students move to a four-year program.
Administration and oversight
Program administration is a joint effort between the school district’s secondary education office and the college’s dual enrollment office. School officials and college leaders coordinated the program launch and continue to manage student selection, course scheduling, and academic advising to ensure that degree requirements for both high school and college are met.
How families and students can prepare
Families should plan for instructional-material costs and monitor communications from both the school district and the college about course schedules, academic expectations, and advising sessions. Students entering the Middle College should be prepared for college-level workloads and take advantage of advising resources to stay on track for both credentials.
Next steps and expansion potential
The initial cohorts in the Middle College and the Business & Leadership program represent pilot offerings that school and college leaders may use to evaluate outcomes, student preparedness, and transfer rates. Future expansion could involve broader recruitment, additional academic pathways, and refined supports based on early results from the inaugural classes.
FAQ
What is the Middle College?
The Middle College is a dual-enrollment program that allows high school students to complete an Associate of Arts degree at the same time they finish high school by taking college courses on a technical college campus.
How many students are in the first class?
The inaugural Middle College cohort includes 20 students enrolled for the 2025-26 school year.
Which subjects will students study?
Students take college courses in English, math, science, social studies, and the humanities, covering general-education requirements optimized for transfer.
Who pays for tuition and fees?
Tuition and institutional fees are covered by the S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program. Families pay for instructional materials such as textbooks.
When will students graduate with the associate degree?
The inaugural cohort is on track to complete the associate degree and high school graduation in May 2027.
Are there other dual-enrollment options?
Yes. A separate Business & Leadership dual-enrollment program with Winthrop University launched in August 2025 with 28 students and offers up to 36 college credit hours by high school graduation.
Program at a glance
| Program | Partner Institution | Cohort Size | Credential / Credits | Tuition & Fees | Family Costs | Projected Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle College | York Technical College | 20 students | Associate of Arts (transfer-optimized) | Covered by S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program | Instructional materials (textbooks, supplies) | May 2027 |
| Business & Leadership Dual Enrollment | Winthrop University | 28 students | Up to 36 college credit hours | Not specified in initial announcement | Not specified | By high school graduation (varies by student) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
- New Middle College Lets High Schoolers Earn AA
- Middle College Lets Students Earn AA with Diploma
- Middle College Lets High Schoolers Earn an AA by 2027
- South Carolina Gamecocks Prepare for New Football Season
- Columbia University Faces Accreditation Threat Over Antisemitism Claims
Additional Resources
- WCNC: New Rock Hill Middle College opens at York Technical College (news article)
- The Post and Courier: Rock Hill and York Tech launch Middle College (coverage)
- WCNC Video: New Rock Hill Middle College opens (video report)
- Herald-Online: Local education report on Middle College partnership
- Carolina Panthers Photos: York County middle school girls flag football kickoff (photo gallery)
- Wikipedia Search: middle college dual enrollment
- Google Search: dual enrollment associate degree programs
- Google News Search: dual enrollment college credit high school
- Google Scholar: dual enrollment outcomes transfer rates
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
